HOME really is sweet home for the Allesley 1st Scout Group after an army of volunteers helped transform their run-down hut and grounds in just one day.

The scout hut in Washbrook Lane, Allesley, Coventry, was given the 12-hour makeover thanks to national property firm Land Security Trillium.

More than 40 skilled workers and volunteers, some of whom travelled from as far afield as Stoke-on-Trent and Bristol to help, worked in shifts between 6.30am and 6pm.

They fitted internal and external lights, painted inside and out and installed hot water, radiators, new toilets and kitchen facilities. Workers will return to the hut on Saturday to lay new floors in the kitchen and toilets.

It has saved the scouts having to collect £40,000 to transform the hut.

District scout leader Mark Walton said: "This is fantastic. Now, when people ask us what we did in the 100th year of scouting, we will be able to say that we completely renovated our hut in just one day."

"We hope more and more young people in the local community will now be able to come and use the hut."

The volunteer day was organised by Anna Stevenson, of Land Security Trillium, whose two sons were members of the cub and scout groups in Allesley between the ages of seven and 17.

She heard about the scouts' plight at the annual meeting and immediately rushed back to her boss to suggest the company help out.

"I was definitely one of those 'dump and run' parents so it's nice to be able to help put something back into the scout group now," she said.

"This will make sure the scouts can spend the money they raise on new equipment and activities for the kids - which is what my two boys used to enjoy - rather than having to spend it on the hut."

Volunteer Kirsten Cadley travelled from Halesowen to help renovate the scout hut.

She said: "It has been great to get out of the office for the day and do something to help.

"The scout leaders have all been so grateful and pleased with the results that it makes the hard work worthwhile."